Page 53 of Hat Trick Holidate

Brooke is constantly distracted with questions or requests from the kids, so she forgets about my and Bryce’s one-night stand. Now, Caleb and Colby have to use the restroom. I say, “Go. I’ll watch Cannon and Carly.” They’re gone for most of the second period and when she gets back, Jolie is squeezing her legs, so I take her to the bathroom, and we stand in line at the concession line. By the time we get back, there’s two minutes left in the third period.

As we’re inching to our seats, Bryce scores. He gets applause because he’s a two-time MVP. It’s cordial like “Yeah, can’t stop that from happening.”

A collective gasp bursts from the crowd, and my head swivels to the ice. Bryce is laid out, not moving. “Get up,” I mumble.

Brooke squeezes my leg, but then she jumps to her feet. “Reed, no.”

Reed is beating the shit out of number fifteen. The crowd boos, and the refs break it up and sendReed to the penalty box, but not before the entire arena hears Reed say, “Don’t fuck with my best friend.”

Oh Lord, I know what the highlights will be tonight. I’m all too acquainted with this scene where Roman is involved. Snow skates over to Bryce, getting down on his leg pads. Jolie wraps both arms around my leg and peers up at me with her dad’s crystal blue eyes. Her lips are tight and quivering, but when Bryce moves his head, Snow helps him to a seated position. Shearer from the Notes comes over and pats his shoulder. Together, Snow and Shearer help him to his feet, and I breathe a sigh of relief. He’s standing.

Then Shearer goes after his teammate, number fifteen. They’re on the other side, so I can’t hear, but it’s not a friendly exchange between teammates.

The medical staff promptly removes Bryce from the ice, and Reed is ejected from the game, so the Jets are left shorthanded during the penalty phase. Thankfully, our defense holds, and we win the game two to one.

“I hope he’s okay,” I say, hoping to keep my feelings for the star center hidden.

“I’m sure they’re just being cautious,” Brooke says convincingly. “Let’s go to the tunnel. The kids love waiting for their daddy, and it helps Reed transition from his hockey persona to husband and dad.”

“Okay.”

When we finally reach the tunnel, Brooke lines the kids against the wall. “Stay.”

“Yes, Mommy.”

What a beautiful word that is—Mommy.

She lets out a big sigh. “Reed is going to need to workthis out. It’s a good thing the kids are going to Dane and Lettie’s to spend the night.”

My brows pinch, not knowing who she’s talking about.

“Oh, that reminds me. You met Dane and Lettie that night. He’s the basketball player. He plays for the Nashville Fireflies. He and Lettie are a country duo in their spare time.” Recognition must flash across my face because she continues, “Anyway, there were sparks flying everywhere between you and Bryce that night. Is it still there?”

I open my mouth to answer when a familiar but notably cool voice says, “Sparks? No sparks. Isn’t that right, Emmaline?”

chapter 21

BRYCE

Her expression will be permanently etchedinto my memory. I couldn’t concentrate the whole night. One fucking goal. One assist. I played like an amateur, and she’s responsible.

She swallows hard like she’s trying to stuff a bird down her throat. “How are you?”

“Like I just sank a hole in one,” I say, referring to our date. My eyes narrow as I watch her fucking squirm.

“Should we go to the hospital and have you checked out? I think you’re hallucinating. You were playing hockey… not golf” She draws out the words hockey before she realizes what I meant.

Damn, she’s cute and sexy all rolled up into one.

“No,” I snap.

“Okay, Captain Grump. I’m just trying to make sure Jolie’s father can take care of her.”

“That’s why you’re here.” Emmaline seems shocked at my words. She wants to call me grumpy, then that’s whatshe’ll get. “I’m meeting Shearer for drinks. I’ll be back to tuck Jolie in.”

Brooke’s head swivels back and forth between us, changing the subject. “Shearer was fired up. That was a dirty play by his teammate.”

“Nothing new. You should know… when you’re on top, everyone wants to tear you down. He was desperate.” Which reminds me of Emmaline riding me; it was like a racehorse desperate for the finish line.

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